Smoke detectors are one of the most crucial elements of a safe home. According to the National Fire Prevention Association (NFPA), household fires are becoming more common and spread more easily and quickly. This is in part due to the type of fabrics and materials we use in our modern home furnishings (think couches, blankets, carpets, bedding). Because of this, having multiple functioning smoke detectors is crucial to the safety of your home. More importantly, those smoke detectors must be installed, checked and repaired correctly.
Which Detector to Install
While many homes and apartments use cheap battery-powered smoke detectors, the best way to ensure the full safety of your home is to use a hard-wired system. This type of system allows for multiple detectors to be linked together. That means if one detector goes off, they all go off, ensuring everyone in your home is alerted to potential danger. The second benefit to hard-wired detectors is the back-up capacity. These detectors have double-layered power ability through wires and batteries, in case of a power outage.
When to Replace a Smoke Detector
Did you know that smoke detectors have an expiration date? Yep, even if they appear to be working correctly, the U.S. Fire Administration recommends updating and replacing smoke detectors every 8 to 10 years. This ensures its reliability and your home’s safety.
Who to Call for Install
Proper installation is crucial to a functioning smoke detector. And the best person to call for that is your local electrician. He or she will know the proper places to install smoke detectors, the right number for your home, and how to properly get it up and running.
Do you have more questions about installing and repairing smoke detectors? Give us a call. We’re here to support you with licensed and trained electricians.
